Some snacks feel like they belong in a crinkly bag at the bottom of your pack; Cast Iron Maple Bacon Trail Mix is the one you make right at camp, when the fire has settled into a steady bed of coals and everyone starts drifting toward the scent. Bacon hits hot cast iron with that familiar sizzle, and before long the air turns smoky-sweet as maple clings to the edges and caramelizes.
The beauty of cooking this trail mix in a skillet is how quickly it comes together and how well it fits real campsite rhythms. While the bacon crisps, you can toast nuts right in the same pan, letting them pick up a little of that savory drippings before the maple glaze goes glossy. Toss in pretzels at the end so they stay snappy, with just enough heat to warm them through and grab a thin sheen of sweetness.
It’s a fireside snack with built-in practicality: one pan, easy cleanup, and it travels well once cooled. Make a batch ahead for trailhead munching, or stir it up after a long hike when you want something salty, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent without breaking out a full camp kitchen.
Cast Iron Maple Bacon Trail Mix
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 3/4 cup mixed nuts unsalted
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook bacon in skillet over medium coals until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon bacon fat.
- Add mixed nuts to skillet; toast in the bacon fat for 2-3 minutes.
- Drizzle with maple syrup, add pepper, and toss to coat. Add pretzels and cooked bacon; stir well.
- Cook 2 more minutes, stirring constantly, until everything is glazed.
- Spread out to cool before packing.